Angled Two-Stage Inkjet Drying for Non-Permeable Media

Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet printing on non-permeable or low-permeable materials like vinyl chloride sheets results in image impairment and decreased glossiness due to ink overflow and slow drying, which affects productivity and print quality.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus with two drying stages, each using gas blowing at different angles relative to the conveying direction, to enhance ink thickening and fix the image on non-permeable materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If heated gas is blown at high air speed to increase drying efficiency, then productivity is improved, but the smoothness of the ink film surface is disturbed and glossiness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoidsmoothness of ink film surface

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The drying process is divided into two distinct stages: a first drying stage with gas blowing at a smaller angle to the conveying direction for initial drying, and a second drying stage with gas blowing at a larger angle for final drying. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize for its specific function, preventing surface disturbance while achieving complete drying and maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the temperature of heated gas is set high to increase drying efficiency, then productivity is improved, but the print medium is damaged through expansion and contraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoiddamage to print medium

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drying process is divided into two distinct stages: a first drying stage with gas blowing at a smaller angle to the conveying direction for initial drying, and a second drying stage with gas blowing at a larger angle for final drying. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize for its specific function, preventing surface disturbance while achieving complete drying and maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If drying time is extended by slowing printing speed to maintain print quality, then glossiness is preserved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglossiness of imageVSAvoidprinting speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The drying process is divided into two distinct stages: a first drying stage with gas blowing at a smaller angle to the conveying direction for initial drying, and a second drying stage with gas blowing at a larger angle for final drying. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize for its specific function, preventing surface disturbance while achieving complete drying and maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If ink is applied to non-permeable materials like vinyl chloride sheets, then versatility of print medium is improved, but ink overflow occurs and image quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint medium compatibilityVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The first drying means performs preliminary drying action immediately after ink application to non-permeable materials. This preliminary action prevents ink overflow and maintains image quality by rapidly removing surface moisture before the ink can spread or smear, enabling successful printing on versatile materials like vinyl chloride sheets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution maintains glossiness and improves print quality by effectively drying and fixing ink on non-permeable materials, enhancing productivity without deforming the print medium.

Implementation Method 1

a first drying means that is disposed downstream relative to the print head in the conveying direction, and dries ink applied to the print medium by blowing gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

a second drying means that is disposed downstream relative to the first drying means in the conveying direction, and dries ink applied to the print medium by blowing gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS12397564B2Printing apparatus and control method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.08.26 CANON KK

AI summary

A printing apparatus includes a print head that applies ink to a print medium; a conveyance unit that conveys a print medium in a conveying direction; a first drying means that is disposed downstream relative to the print head in the conveying direction, and dries ink applied to the print medium by blowing gas such that an angle formed with the conveying direction is a first angle; and a second drying means that is disposed downstream relative to the first drying means in the conveying direction, and dries ink applied to the print medium by blowing gas such that an angle formed with the conveying direction is a second angle different from the first angle.